Plain English Meaning

The official handbook for a specific airplane, written by the company that built it and approved by the FAA. It tells the pilot how that airplane must be flown, what it can and cannot do, and the rules that apply to it.

Full Definition

An FAA-approved document, prepared by the manufacturer for a specific airplane, that contains the operating limitations, procedures, performance data, and other information required for the safe operation of that aircraft. It is required to be on board the airplane during flight when specified by the certification basis of that airplane.

Context Anchor

You encounter the Airplane Flight Manual during preflight planning, training, aircraft checkout, weight-and-balance , and when checking the airplane’s approved .